WE’RE ON THE HUNT FOR THE BEST SOLO OR DUOS TO PERFORM AT THE INCREDIBLE BINGLEY WEEKENDER
Future Icon is your opportunity to step into a full artist development programme, with everything from professional PR and studio time to vital financial support.
We’re not just looking for a great voice or catchy songs, we’re looking for potential. The kind of artist with the vision, sound, and drive to become a ‘Future Icon’.
This is your opportunity to work with real industry experts who can help you define your goals, refine your sound, and elevate your career to the next level. Through hands-on guidance, professional development, and strategic support, Future Icon is designed to give emerging artists the momentum they need to grow and thrive in the music industry.
The winner of Future Icon will receive a career-changing prize package worth over £5,000, including £1,000 in cash, an industry-leading artist development and PR package, and professional studio recording time. These prizes offer vital support across all areas of an emerging artist’s journey, from funding to promotion to production.
At the heart of the development package is Blinding Talent, a full-service music marketing agency and artist consultancy founded by music industry heavyweight Mark Adams. With a CV that includes Channel 4, Kerrang!, Kiss, and Bauer, Mark has spent over two decades working with global brands, major labels, and A-list artists. The winning artist will receive tailored branding and promotional support, plus a dedicated artist development and writing session with Catlea of Warning Shot Studios, providing hands-on guidance to refine your music, image, and long-term strategy.
The prize also includes studio recording time at Puzzle Factory Sound Studios, led by award-winning producer Dax Liniere. Before stepping into the studio, Dax will work closely with the winner to workshop and elevate their sound. Puzzle Factory, located just five miles from central London, blends vintage and modern gear in an inspiring, fully equipped recording space, making it one of the UK’s most respected independent studios. This is a rare opportunity to create high-quality recordings in a truly professional setting.
Together, this package is designed to give one exceptional solo artist or duo the practical tools, industry expertise, and financial support to take their career to the next level.
Out of all the artists that register, only a handful of the most talented artists will be chosen to go through to the Live Rounds
The Live Rounds consist of 3 heats: Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and a Grand-Final
Once into the Live Rounds, there are two ways artists can get through to the next round…
Artists will be judged by music industry guests based on their musicianship, songwriting and fan engagement. This means the winner is chosen based on pure talent and quality. This also guarantees that ALL the artists who perform have the opportunity to play in front of industry professionals, providing them with great exposure and a platform to be noticed.
We’re searching for an artist that can entertain a crowd, so it’s only fair that the crowd get to have their say too! Everyone who comes to the show will get a vote to help their favourite artist progress through to the next round.
Those lucky enough to make it through the Quarters and Semi-Finals will perform at a Grand-Final taking place in London.
Our special guest judges from the festival will pick one overall winner from the Grand-Final, who will all be given a slot to perform at the Bingley Weekender 2022 along with winning a day’s worth of free studio recording time with SAFO Music Group!
Our judges will also be picking a runner up who will win half a day of studio recording time with SAFO Music Group.
To take part in the Future Icon Competition you must either be a solo or a duo (maximum 2 musicians on stage) and you must be over 18 years of age